Automatic Analyzer Piercing Arm Positioning via Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing automatic analyzing apparatuses face a high workload and reduced throughput due to the need for manual setting of the descending amount of the piercing arm for various sample containers and caps, which can vary significantly, leading to inefficiencies when unfamiliar types are used.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates an imaging system that determines the descent operation parameters for the piercing arm based on image data of the sample container, allowing the piercer needle to be accurately positioned without pre-set values, thereby reducing user workload and improving throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the descending amount of the piercing arm is manually set for each type of sample container and cap, then the piercing operation can be performed accurately, but the user workload increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the descending amount of the piercing arm by imaging the sample container and cap, and calculating the distance based on their respective positions. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual setting of descending amounts for each sample container and cap type, significantly reducing user workload while maintaining piercing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical setting process with an automated imaging and calculation system. By using image capture devices to obtain visual data of the sample container and cap, and automatically calculating the piercing arm's descent distance, the system substitutes manual operation with automated optical measurement and computational processing
2Adaptability or versatility
If preset descending amounts are used for different sample container types, then the piercing operation can be performed, but the system cannot handle unfamiliar sample container and cap combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the piercing arm's descending amount based on the actual imaging data of each sample container and cap combination. Rather than relying on static preset values for known container types, the system adapts to each specific configuration by calculating the descent distance from captured images, enabling reliable operation with both familiar and unfamiliar sample container types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from using fixed preset parameters (descending amounts for each container type) to dynamically calculated parameters based on real-time imaging data. By calculating the descending amount as a derived parameter from the measured distances between the piercer needle, cap, and sample liquid surface, the system achieves both versatility with unknown container types and reliability through precise, situation-specific parameter determination
3Adaptability or versatility
If the piercing arm descending amount is not pre-set for a sample container and cap, then new sample container types can be used, but manual setting is required which reduces throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic determination of the piercing arm's descending amount through imaging and calculation, eliminating the need for manual setting operations. This self-service capability allows the system to immediately handle new or unfamiliar sample container and cap combinations without interrupting the workflow for parameter configuration, thereby maintaining high processing throughput while achieving full adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the determination of descending amount automatically as part of the initial setup sequence for each sample container. By capturing images and calculating the piercing parameters before the actual piercing operation, the system prepares all necessary parameters in advance without requiring separate manual configuration steps, thus maintaining continuous high-speed processing
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic analyzing apparatus according to the present embodiment comprises a first imager configured to image a sample container in which a sample is contained and whose upper surface is sealed with a cap; and processing circuitry configured to acquire a liquid level height of the sample contained in the sample container based on first image data of the sample container imaged by the first imager; and determine, based on the liquid level height, a first parameter related to a descent operation of a piercing arm, and controls, based on the first parameter, the descent operation of the piercing arm, and the piercing arm holding a piercer needle for piercing the cap of the sample container.